Roads, Parks, Schools Prioritized In Medford's 6-Year Plan

MEDFORD, MA — Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn last week released the proposed Capital Improvement Plan, which proposes an investment of $107.6 million in 123 projects over six years.

The plan is the city's first document of its kind and was a priority of the mayor's administration. It prioritizes roadway quality, parks and recreational opportunities, improved school facilities, safe and functional equipment for city staff and modern water and sewer infrastructure.

Lungo-Koehn proposes $79.5 million in investments through the General Fund, $9.2 million through the Enterprise Fund and more than $18.7 million in grants and other non-tax levy sources. The aim is to minimize the cost to taxpayers by seeking state grants and other sources for more than 17 percent of the funding, Lungo-Koehn said.

In schools, the plan prioritizes security camera and bathroom upgrades, boiler repairs at Medford High School and Curtis Tufts, drainage improvements at Brooks Elementary School and renewable energy and ADA accessibility updates.

Other projects include water main replacements on Vista Avenue, Guild Street, Golden Avenue, Brookings Street, Metcalf Street, Tesla Avenue and Union Street and repairs to Woodruff Avenue/Henley Street, Vernon Street, Pinkert Street, Haines Square and Gourley Road/Dwyer Circle.

The following parks projects have been prioritized as well:

• Wellington Greenway Phase IV
• Thomas Brooks Park Master Plan – Phase 1
• Tufts swimming pool
• Duggar Park tennis courts
• Morrison Park tot lot and baseball fields
• Logan Park
• Brooks Park
• Carr Park and Gillis Park master plans
• Playgrounds at Tufts, Capen, and Cummings Parks

The proposal provides financial support for major potential projects like the renovation or construction of a fire station and high school and vehicle replacements, including a fire truck, street sweeper and sander/plow.

Lungo-Koehn stressed that the plan is intended to be a living document, and priorities could shift over the next six years.

Click here for the full proposed Capital Investment Plan.